As you know, the Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 10 to consider important issues related to the leadership of American University. On Wednesday, September 28, members of the Board of Trustees met with the acting provost and deans of the schools and colleges, leadership of the Faculty Senate, students, alumni and staff. The Board has received the actions taken by the deans, the faculties of the schools and colleges, the relevant motions of the Faculty Senate, and similar expressions from our various student government bodies, the alumni governing body and the Staff Council. The Board has also received individual communications expressing opinions and positions on the matters at issue. At Monday’s meeting, the Board will again meet with designated representatives of the campus community. The Board will then work in executive session, and that is certainly appropriate in light of the issues they must resolve.

Given the gravity of the decisions they face, I urge all members of this community to provide the Board the undisturbed time they need during their executive session to bring these matters to an appropriate conclusion. It goes without saying the members of the American University community have every right to express their views on the matters before the Board. I ask that as you express your opinions and concerns you do so in a manner that also allows the University Board of Trustees to conduct their business in an environment conducive to thoughtful and serious deliberation. We will expect to have an announcement at the end of the day.

I want to thank and commend the entire American University community ? students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends ? for the way you have conducted yourselves over these past weeks. Throughout this long and difficult process, your voices have been indispensable. They will continue to be as we get on with the important work of this University.

Strategic Plan

AU's strategic plan, Leadership for a Changing World, outlines goals and objectives for the next decade at American University. Visit american.edu/strategicplan for more information. (myAU.american.edu login required for some documents)